Truant son means punishment for state woman

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A Charleston woman has been sentenced to probation and community service for her son's excessive absences from school.

Brenda Wright received the punishment on Tuesday after she pleaded guilty to first-offense truancy. She was sentenced to 90 days of probation and five days of community service, plus court costs. Her 11-year-old son has missed 21 days of school since classes began in August.

Seven parents were ordered to appear before a Kanawha County Circuit Court judge to answer truancy charges but four did not show up. Warrants were issued for their arrests.

Circuit Judge Duke Bloom has been tough on parents whose children miss classes. Earlier this year he ordered several parents jailed in truancy cases.